What Should I Do With My Tax Records?

Now that you have filed your taxes, what do I need to save and when can I get rid of old records?

Keeping good records after you file your taxes is a good idea, as they will help you with documentation and substantiation if the IRS selects your return for an audit. Here are a couple of tips about keeping good records.

1. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years.

2. Some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer.

3. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.

4. Records you should keep include bills, credit card and other receipts, invoices, mileage logs, canceled, imaged or substitute checks, proofs of payment, and any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return.

5. For more information on what kinds of records to keep, see IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals, which is available from the IRS website found here.